Zac Birch
NCAA Division II – Belmont Abbey College
North Carolina
From: The Illawarra Grammar School / Sydney NSW
Athletic Scholarship — NCAA Division II (Belmont Abbey College)
The Journey
Zac Birch's pathway is a textbook example of how the US college soccer system rewards patience and progression. A Sydney native from The Illawarra Grammar School, Zac was placed at USC Lancaster — a Region 10 NJCAA program in South Carolina — where he spent two seasons as a regular starter, developing his game and building his academic profile. In his sophomore season at USC Lancaster, Zac recorded 3 goals and 4 assists for 10 points, including a game-winning goal, establishing himself as a reliable attacking contributor. His two strong seasons at the NJCAA level earned him a transfer to Belmont Abbey College — an NCAA Division II program in Belmont, North Carolina, competing in the Conference Carolinas. Now a senior wearing the #7 shirt and playing midfield, Zac has maintained a 3.53 GPA while contributing consistently on the pitch. In Belmont Abbey's 2026 home opener against Newberry on August 29, he provided an assist on the opening goal in a Crusaders victory. Zac graduates in 2027, completing a four-year US college career that spanned two divisions, two states, and a steadily upward trajectory — the kind of progression that Upper 90 College specialises in facilitating for Australian players.
Challenges Overcome
Adjusting to life in small-town South Carolina as a freshman from Sydney required significant personal adaptation. Progressing from the NJCAA level to NCAA Division II meant a step up in speed, physicality, and academic expectations. Balancing a 3.53 GPA with the demands of a senior-season college soccer schedule demands discipline and time management.
Achievements
4-year US college soccer career spanning NJCAA and NCAA Division II. Began at USC Lancaster (NJCAA Region 10, South Carolina) — 2 seasons as a regular starter, 3 goals and 4 assists (10 points) in sophomore season including a game-winning goal. Transferred to Belmont Abbey College (NCAA Division II, Conference Carolinas, North Carolina) — #7, Midfielder. Senior in 2026, graduating 2027 with a 3.53 GPA. Already contributed an assist in Belmont Abbey's 2026 home opener victory over Newberry (August 29, 2026). Pathway: Sydney → USC Lancaster (NJCAA) → Belmont Abbey (NCAA D2), placed by Upper 90 College.
"John has helped me get to a NJCAA d1 school and i’m loving my time here. John is a very approachable person and takes pride in his work. The college process is very confusing for someone who is international but John was able to provide me with what college soccer is all about and the great education programs the US system has to offer. He still keeps in contact with me to ask how everything has been going which is wonderful support. I am grateful to have someone like John as he has helped me to get to this point in my college career."
— Zac Birch
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